Here are the forms to make your business legal. When you have completed this paperwork, you are ready to open a bank account, lease space, and sign any contracts.

If you have any specialized leases or contracts, you will need to find a business attorney. You should also review your business risks and determine whether you need business insurance or whether you need to trademark, patent, or copyright elements of your business.

Federal ID: SS-4 form. A federal ID is not required for sole proprietors, but it is a good idea to get one to protect your personal identify. You can use this number instead of your social security number for vendor applications and other requests.